Trove

A Loose Parts Project

About

Collection has begun for open-ended play materials. The GTL wants your bits and bobs you can’t seem to throw away, giving them new life in creative play. Items will be accepted for collection during library hours, and educators can visit on Thursday evenings to browse and pick up items for their classroom. 

This pilot project came to the GTL via Cara Wilen, an early childhood educator, and Susan Carey, one of the founders of the Guelph Tool Library. In an effort to keep items out of landfill and give them new life as materials for play, the two created Trove: A Loose Parts Project. The pair even modelled their logo after the iconic crow that represents the tool library, feeling that the inquisitive birds known for collecting treasures also represented the essence of Trove. 

“We want to recognize the importance of how it allows children’s play to be constantly changing, expanding and evolving. We know that the more variables you have in your environment, the more opportunities you have for your kids to be inventive, to make new discoveries and to be creative.” Says Wilen. 

Trove will be a community resource that houses a constantly changing, curated collection of open-ended play materials gathered and donated from around Guelph, including natural materials, cardboard and paper, styrofoam, plastics, metal, glass and ceramic items. Wilen expressed, “It’s starting off small but our hope is that with your continued patronage it will grow into something spectacular as a useful resource for everyone.” The project is similar to others in Ontario, including the Creative Zone at the Peel District School Board or the now defunct Art Junction in Toronto.

Location and Hours

Trove can be accessed by educators on Thursdays between 4-7pm, within the Guelph Tool Library in the Quebec Street Mall, 55 Wyndham St. N., beginning April 1st.